British Columbia Takes Action With Renewable Fuel Regulation

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 12, 2008) - British Columbia's leadership in moving towards low-carbon fuels was confirmed this week with the publishing of new regulations requiring 5% renewable content in gasoline and diesel fuel supplied in the province by 2010. The regulation is a significant step towards B.C.'s goal of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent below 2007 levels by 2020.

The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association congratulates British Columbia for their commitment to cleaner burning renewable fuels.

"B.C. continues to lead in the development of smart environmental policy by ensuring the use of cleaner renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel," said Gordon Quaiattini, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. "These regulations will not only reduce the carbon foot print of the province's transportation sector, but also reduce urban air pollution and support agricultural economies, such as in the Peace country."

The renewable fuels industry in B.C. will continue to work collaboratively with petroleum distributors to provide information when and where British Columbians need it, about the benefits of renewable fuels, and how they can best make use of them.

"The B.C. biodiesel industry looks forward to working with the province, the petroleum industry, and the transportation sector to optimize the benefits from the wider use of biodiesel and other renewable fuels," said Ian Thomson, President of the B.C. Biodiesel Association. "We fully support the province's long-term goal of using biomass available in the province to make transportation fuels, and know that the first wave of renewable fuels will be a critical part in the development of advanced renewable fuels."

The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote renewable transportation fuels through consumer awareness and government liaison activities. CRFA membership is composed of representatives from all levels of the ethanol and biodiesel industry, including: grain and cellulose ethanol producers, biodiesel producers, fuel technology providers, agricultural associations, and auto makers.